Paul Merideth

What’s your source? It’s a critical question. From journalists to physicians, doing the job properly means getting to the source of the facts and doing a careful evaluation. After all, we make life decisions based on the information we receive, so we must get our facts straight. The rallying cry of the European Renaissance movement was the Latin phrase, ad fontes. It means “back to the sources.” It called for an intellectual recovery in areas of classical values, theology, literature, and art. Perhaps we need something like that today. If not as a global movement, then at least as a personal mantra. What’s your source of authority in life? Where’d you get your information about how to live your life?

We should tremble in terror at the thought of setting our source for life’s decisions on TikTok. We need something more substantive than that, don’t we? Shouldn’t we rally to the source of life’s authority that’s reliable and truthful rather than faddish and fickle?

Scripture cuts through all the malaise and declares, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men… rather than according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Sobering words, don’t you think?

Where’d you get your information? To consider the source means we only take opinions seriously that are informed. It means that when it comes to life’s big questions, we’re discerning and scrutinize the sources for truthfulness and integrity. It means we look to divine revelation embodied in the Bible as the sole valid source for all matters of faith and practice. It means our life is guided by the reliable compass of God’s Word, lived out in the community of true believers.

Be warned that lousy information can come from many different sources and perspectives. Untruths can be touted from powerful microphones and popular apps. Especially alarming is the dilemma that we may get caught in an echo chamber. This can happen when we hear warped perspectives and opinions repeatedly. An echo chamber is an environment where people only encounter information or views that reflect and reinforce their own. Echo chambers can create misinformation and distort a person’s perspective. Hence, they have difficulty considering opposing viewpoints and discussing complicated topics. These prisons of closed-mindedness are fueled partly by confirmation bias, which is the tendency to favor information that reinforces existing beliefs. We must escape the echo chamber of religious misinformation. We must break free of soundbite theology and feelings-based faith. Let’s reach back to the source and root ourselves in God’s inspired, inerrant, authoritative Word. “The sacred writings make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the people of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:15-17).

It’s a critical question. Where we derive our authority, our source, for life’s decisions has eternal repercussions. We would be wise to go back to the right source.

  • 8th Week of 2024 Reading: 1 TIMOTHY 3:16 “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.”
  • Reflections: It’s frightening to think about how much disinformation and untruth we face daily. One of my great fears is that I go sideways in my thinking and decision-making because I believe lies. The only recourse I have is to pray to God for wisdom and discernment. How can we better trust in God to help us cut through the lies around us and see the truth? I think we must lean “not on our own understanding” but live each day in faith and fill up with God’s will and word. How can you sharpen your senses for discerning truth and developing wisdom? What bad opinions do you need to lay down? Or how has believing a lie ruined you from reaching a spiritual goal?
  • Prayer to God: “Heavenly Father, grant me wisdom to discern your will and guide me to make choices that honor you. Please bless those around me. In humility, I seek your wisdom. In courage, I follow where it leads. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”
  • Video Devotional Spotlight: Bible Study #4
  • Current Reads: I’ve almost finished working through The Great Dechurching by Jim Davis and Michael Graham. It challenges us to be faithful to God in this age when folks are less engaged with the church. The good news is that many are willing to reconnect when we engage with them in an authentic way. It’s an eye-opening and sobering read.
  • Interesting News: Check out Jon Nielson’s article in Christianity Today, “Theology Is Not a Waste.” It’s often a tough sell to convince people, even Christians, about the important role of theological study. I think you’ll enjoy his take.
  • Sermon Preview: As I mentioned above, I’m almost finished reading The Great Dechurching and am building a sermon where I pull from the survey work done by its authors. I plan, in an upcoming sermon, to pose the questions: Who’s leaving? Why are they going? And what will it take to bring them back? Hopefully, I can offer some helpful answers to these questions as we explore God’s word for solutions. You’re invited to come and worship with us.

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